BANGI, June 26 – Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (FAI), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Dewan Perdagangan Islam Malaysia (DPIM) have launched a strategic collaboration to equip entrepreneurs with responsible, industry-relevant artificial intelligence (AI) skills, starting with a nationwide rollout of AI awareness programs.
UTM FAI continues to advance its offerings through AI for Business Excellence (AIBEx), a collaborative training platform that bridges advanced technologies with practical business use. Open to strategic partners, AIBEx offers industry-adaptive, tiered training, from awareness to applied mastery that engages both industry and entrepreneurial communities. As universities move beyond traditional brick-and-mortar boundaries, platforms like AIBEx reflect a critical shift from supply-driven education to demand-aligned outcomes, blending academic insight with real-world relevance and application.
Recent Collaboration with DPIM
In its latest collaboration with DPIM, AIBEx: Mahir AI, Bisnes Kencang was delivered as a series of 1-day awareness sessions, repeated over four days (23–26 June 2025) across UTM Kuala Lumpur and Bangi Convention Centre. This approach was designed to maximize reach and engage over 400 entrepreneurs. Participants were drawn from DPIM’s nationwide entrepreneur networks, ensuring representation from diverse sectors and business scales. The module content was co-developed by FAI’s training unit and DPIM to ensure contextual relevance, industry practicality, and alignment with entrepreneurs’ business needs. The sessions covered AI literacy in marketing and business management, responsible and ethical AI usage, and a hands-on segment introducing participants to practical tools, ranging from international platforms to local innovations like Usahawan.ai.
Leadership Insights
The UTM FAI’s Dean, Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Naz’ri Mahrin, remarked:
“Partnership with DPIM strongly supports one of the faculty’s core strategic missions to elevate industries in achieving high gains and high value. More importantly, it reflects our broader commitment to democratize AI. Advanced technologies are not reserved for large corporations or tech experts but are made accessible to everyday entrepreneurs. Through this synergy, we’re translating technology into real, practical solutions to empower businesses to grow and compete in the digital economy.”
Also speaking at the event was DPIM President, a seasoned entrepreneur, Dato’ Mohammad Sahar Mat Din, who highlighted a major challenge faced by business owners:
“Entrepreneurs typically spend 40–50% of their costs on marketing and branding. With AI tools, we see real potential to reduce that burden and boost productivity. But to survive and thrive, we must be fast. Technology won’t wait, and entrepreneurs must keep up or risk being left behind.”
Dato’ Mohammad Sahar Mat Din added:
“The encouraging response from participants gives us hope. Entrepreneurs today are ready. The appetite to adopt AI is real and growing.”
DPIM not only partnered in shaping the session framework but also sponsored hospitality throughout the program, further underscoring its commitment to inclusive and scalable digital innovation.
Future Expansion
Post-session feedback reflected strong participant satisfaction and eagerness to progress into more advanced, application-focused learning tracks. Following this positive reception, the program will expand nationwide this year, with alumni advancing from awareness to applied mastery. A follow-up program will reinforce learning and accelerate practical adoption of AI in business. Building on this successful collaboration with DPIM, UTM FAI welcomes future partnerships that share the vision of empowering entrepreneurs and industries through responsible and inclusive AI.
